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Controlling Diabetes Naturally - Mikes Success Story
The Herbal 1-2-3 Punch for Swine Flu
The Community of Herbs
Catnip My Hero

Controlling Diabetes Naturally - Mikes Success Story (RETURN TO TOP)

According to the American Diabetes Association, there are over 23 million people in the United States with diabetes. In type 2 diabetes either the body does not produce enough insulin or the bodies cells are resistant to insulin's effects, causing a build up of glucose in the blood. This build up of glucose in the blood deprives the cells of energy and could eventually damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.

Believing that he was living a healthy lifestyle, Mike was shocked when his doctor diagnosed him with diabetes saying his glucose levels were near 300. He thought, but why me? Sure I could stand to lose a few pounds but I am certainly not overweight and I do eat a pretty healthy diet so what is going on in my body that my glucose should be so high? These questions started Mike on a 5 month healing journey that took his glucose levels from near 300 down to about 100 using only herbs and other natural methods.

Mike began to really look at his body and lifestyle. He was in a loving and joyful marriage, had good relationships with his children, had many wonderful friends BUT was very unhappy at his job which caused him quite a bit of emotional stress. His diet although pretty healthy could stand some minor changes and exercise was something he knew he needed to do more of. With that in mind, here is Mike's simple healing program.

DIET:

• Cut out all sugar and gluten.
  
• For about the first 2 weeks or so Mike used a Liver & Immune powder blend of herbs mixed with a bit of organic apple juice and water right before bed to help flush his liver.
  
• Breakfast - Smoothie using berries, yogurt, milk thistle seeds (whole seeds ground fresh daily), and other herbs.
  
• Lunch - Usually salad for lunch with only olive oil and vinegar for dressing.
  
• Snacks -For snacks he would eat a fresh vegetable (or sometimes fruit) like zucchini, jicama, apple, bell pepper slices etc. and handful of raw organic nuts
  
• Herbal teas - Fill a sports bottle (about 1 qt) with a good quality (whole herb) herbal tea blend (sweetened only with Stevia). Drink throughout the day to get a great hit of vitamins and minerals to nourish the body and keep it hydrated.
  
• Dinner - Where Mike had been eating dinner around 7 - 8 pm he chose to begin eating earlier in the evening around 6. Usually a small piece of fish or sometimes chicken (about 4 oz) and a larger portion of vegetables either fresh or lightly steamed with a little real butter or olive oil and some natural seasoning salt. Herbal tea or fresh lemon squeezed in water to drink.
  
• Nothing else to eat after dinner except his Liver & Immune herbal powder right before bed.
  

EXERCISE:

• As it was spring in Arizona, he would take a nice 30 minute walk each night after dinner.
  
• 45 minutes exercise 4-5 x week. Mike would lift weights 2 - 3 x week and walk the other days (in addition to his evening walks).

Mike was testing his blood every morning and began to see an immediate drop in his sugar levels. Within 2 weeks of beginning these simple life changes, his blood sugar dropped over 30 points and by the end of the first month was down to around 200. A wonderful but unexpected bonus was a steady drop in weight.

Now at the end of 5 months, as Mike's blood sugar went from 300 to 100, his weight dropped from 245 lbs. to 210 lbs. Mike continues to exercise about 4 x week and he quit his stressful job which opened the door for a new job working in a wonderful caring environment. Mike is turning 60 this year and has never felt as healthy and vibrant.

The Herbal 1-2-3 Punch for Swine Flu (RETURN TO TOP)

Cold and flu season is just around the corner and the Center for Disease Control as well as the World Health Organization have made us all very aware of the possibility of a Swine Flu (H1N1) outbreak this fall.

The H1N1 flu virus triggers what is called a "cytokine storm". Wikipedia's explanation of a cytokine storm is - When the immune system is fighting this virus, cytokines signal immune cells such as T-cells and macrophages to travel to the site of infection. In addition, cytokines activate those cells, stimulating them to produce more cytokines. Normally, this feedback loop is kept in check by the body. However, in some instances, the reaction becomes uncontrolled, and too many immune cells are activated in a single place. The precise reason for this is not entirely understood but may be caused by an exaggerated response when the immune system encounters a new and highly pathogenic invader. Cytokine storms have potential to do significant damage to body tissues and organs. If a cytokine storm occurs in the lungs, for example, fluids and immune cells such as macrophages may accumulate and eventually block off the airways, potentially resulting in death.

If someone in your office comes in sick (sneezing, coughing etc.) why is it that even though everyone is exposed to the virus or bacteria, some get sick while others do not?  Medical studies have shown the presence of virulent viruses and bacteria in many peoples' systems through they themselves never become ill.  The people who do not get sick all have something in common; their immune systems keep an infection from taking over their bodies.  Our immune system is our first line of defense so keeping our immune system healthy is the most important thing we can do right now - before the virus comes into our communities.  Then let's look at what to do when the virus comes into our community and finally what we can do should the virus come into our homes.  Hopefully by the time the virus comes into our community, our immune system will keep it out of our homes.
 
#1 - What To Do Now
Strengthening the Immune System
One of the simplest things we can do is to start drinking a quart or so of whole herb herbal tea daily.  Whole herbs are filled with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that feed and support our overall bodies and that includes our immune systems.  Make up a big pot of tea and sweeten with Stevia (sweet herb), honey or agave and store it in the refrigerator.  Each day as you leave your house, fill your sports bottle with your tea and sip it throughout the day. Drinking your teas hot or warm helps wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

#2 - When the Virus Comes Into Our Community

  #3 - Flu In Your Home

For more information on these and other great medicinal herbs check with your local herbalist or visit your local herb shop.  Knowledge is Power.  GET EMPOWERED!

The Community of Herbs (RETURN TO TOP)

Even before Mary got to the classroom door she could hear the laughter and felt a lightness of spirit come over her.  As the door opened, she was embraced by an array of wonderful smells - strong earthy aromas, sweet florals, exotic spices and others she had never experienced.  Once inside, she found the room filled with an electric excitement with people moving around, talking, and laughing.  Her eyes fell on the source of these smells - long tables filled with a plethora of medicinal herbs of every color and texture giving off their amazing aromas like a gift sent especially for her. Another excited participant walked over, introduced herself, and handed Mary a cup of delicious herbal tea. At that moment, they both knew a special friendship had begun.

This is a scenario we are seeing in communities all over the country.  More and more people are frustrated and seeking a simpler life.  We feel disconnected from our neighbors, families and our earth.  Living in this world of technology, we often forget how important it is to our wellbeing to nurture healthy happy friendships.  Without friends to love and laugh with, we often become depressed and lonely and our physical health begins to fade. Many of us are saddened by the destruction of our environment and this affects not only our physical bodies but our spiritual and emotional bodies as well.  Today, people are losing their jobs and their medical insurance, and are looking for inexpensive alternatives for their healthcare.  Herbal healing answers all of these needs.

As she always does, Mother Nature has sat quietly by and waited for us to return to her ancient healing plants, and today thousands of people are seeking her wisdom once again. Learning to use herbs for healing not only brings us together in the classroom, it also brings us together as a community. The knowledge you have once you’ve learned to use whole herbs is so empowering you never have to feel like a victim again.  Herbs give us the tools we need to care for any illness that may present itself.  These powerful medicines have been used since the beginning of time.  It is only in the past 40-50 years that we seem to have forgotten these amazing gifts of the earth.  When we use whole plants for our healing, it keeps us connected to our beautiful Mother Earth as we stay in the knowing that it is the earth that provides our healing medicines and foods.  We then walk more lightly on the earth.

Herbs are living beings and it is important to know that they are here to heal us on all levels (physical, emotional and spiritual).  We have seen and are vaguely aware of many of these simple wild weeds. It is as though we have been asleep and seemingly forgotten them.  Simple but very powerful little weeds like Dandelion, Echinacea, Chamomile and thousands more are waiting quietly for us to rediscover them so they can once again share their healing wisdom.

When you have a shelf full of these simple herbs in your home and are be able to brew a safe and healing tea, make soothing herbal syrup, or create a liquid extract in your own kitchen, you will feel their empowerment. The wellbeing of you and your family is now in your healing hands.

Finding a qualified herbalist that teaches this ancient art of herbal healing is easier than ever.  These teachers are popping up all over the country.  Once, their classes had only a handful of students.  Now, they are filled with people all ages, races and religions coming together to create a growing community of empowered healers. It has been said that “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”  In these troubled times, the teachers may be as close as the earth and her healing plants right outside your own back door.

Catnip My Hero (RETURN TO TOP)

Years ago women regularly grew medicinal herb gardens to give them the medicines they needed to care for themselves, their families and people in their community. Having stood the test of time, these simple yet powerful herbs are making a strong come back in back yards all across the country.

Plants in the mint family were some of the easiest to grow and more importantly, had a plethora of uses. There are many varieties of mints today. Perhaps the oldest and most popular one is the Catnip. Latin name Nepeta cataria, is undoubtedly best recognized as an intoxicating herb that cats find irresistible.

Catnip makes a pleasant tasting tea that is loaded with totally absorbable vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. One of the most well known uses is an infusion of Catnip to help induce a restful night’s sleep. To make your Catnip Nightcap, put 1 heaping teaspoon full of dried catnip (or 1-2 tablespoons full fresh catnip) in a cup. Fill with boiling water and cover tightly. Steep 20-30 minutes, strain (add honey or stevia if you like a sweeter tea) and drink before bed – sweet dreams! Note: Catnip is believed to help prevent nightmares too.

Catnip is a mild antibacterial, the leaves being chewed to help the pain of toothache or headache. Catnip helps stomach aches by calming the nerves; the tea is also helpful for stress, anxiety, tension and nervousness.

Externally, the macerated plant (called a poultice) is used directly on the skin for pain, sprains, bruises and insect bites to slow bleeding & speed healing or as a liniment to ease the pain of arthritis. A thick salve either applied directly or made into suppositories is very useful for hemorrhoids.

Make a strong infusion for use as a hair rinse for scalp irritations; as eyewash for inflammation, allergies and bloodshot eyes or as an enema to cleanse the bowel.

Women sing catnip’s praise for its antispasmodic properties in calming menstrual cramping and it’s soothing and calming properties for PMS, anxiety, stress & tension. It is also used to regulate periods, and for delayed or suppressed menstruation. What else could a girl want?

With its myriad of uses in childhood imbalances, mom will never want to be without catnip. Catnip will help calm a child when they are teething, colicky or restlessness. When given for colds and fevers, it helps the child get the rest that they need. A catnip enema has brought down a stubborn fever when nothing else worked. It is a gentle calmative for hyperactive children and a good digestive for an upset tummy. When your child is over excited or sick, making a catnip bath is often a mother’s hero. To make: bring a big pot of water to a boil. Take off the heat and add a couple big handfuls of catnip to the pot. Cover tightly and let steep 45 minutes or longer. Strain off into bathtub and adjust water temperature before placing child in bath. This is a great bath for a stressed out mommy too so you may both want to get in that catnip tub together! Catnip baths are a specific for the hyperactive child.

For respiratory infections, drinking hot catnip tea increases perspiration and effectively brings down fevers, and acts as a decongestant. At first sign of a cold or flu, begin drinking hot catnip tea frequently (2-4 cups throughout the day). It is also helpful in bronchitis and asthma, sore throats, coughs & sinusitis as well as eruptive infections such as chicken-pox and measles.

Iowa State University have proven that nepetalactone (the oil that gives catnip its smell) can be a more effective bug repellent than DEET by a factor of one hundred. Especially because DEET has been known to cause toxic reactions to some of its users, catnip—a less harmful product by far—may be the next wave of bug repellent (http://chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/aa103001a.htm)

Catnip is an extremely safe herb, and there are no listed warnings or contraindications.

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